I agree Margo-- that would be a dream come true!!

I am leaving in the morning for my girlie break until Thursday, but I've already started the Morning Pages. Not sure I understand it all, but am willing to give it a go! I will make an effort to keep up with the book, and look forward to catching up with the posts when I get back.
BTW...I'm surprised that there hasn't been any mention here of Ricky's tour to South America for the purpose of working on creativity! That would be the ultimate Artist's Date!!!

So...............we'll start tomorrow?

When you get up, sit down and write. I bought a new journal just for our journey together. Remember, nobody will grade you on this. Just enjoy the process.

See you in the AM.

Eileen

You're in Linda and anyone else who wants to jump in.

I just got my book-- can I still get in!! I will start reading it this weekend
Linda

Margo - AWESOME! I'd agree that it must be serendipity.

Lisa - You ARE creative, everyone is! It's in there somewhere; you'll discover ways to nurture the expression of it through this book.

I'm excited for everyone.
Jan in Spokane

One of the main reasons I want to do the book is because I have always been sure I wasn't creative. I keep getting drawn to creative things though (like quilting, and I think even traditional quilts are creative- you still have to pick out the fabric etc) but never try them because "I don't have a creative bone in my body." Well, I'm just not sure that's true, so I am giving quilting a good try and I refuse to give up because my first tries may not live up to my expectations. I may be right and I'm not creative but I'm going to explore it anyway.

Lisa

Lucky you!!! I found mine on Ebay, total cost with shipping 6.77. I thought that was good, you're a better shopper.

Ta-dah!! I found a (like new!) copy of The Artist's Way at our local used bookstore for just $3.25!! I guess I'm supposed to do this????

Thanks, Jan. I'll see about finding the other book.

Sandy and Judy, I think we are all in the same boat. I want to try something that I dreamt up all by myself, not just a re-do of something I've seen already made up!

People think of me as creative too, but I really just copy what someone else created. I would like to be able to come up with my own ideas for quilts and other crafts I do with the children.

I also don't think of myself as a creative person and that is one of the reasons I am interested in the book. Other people see me as creative so why don't I see it?

Margo, in the book, she states specifically NOT to read the morning pages - at least for 6 weeks, I think. It isn't necessary to go back and read unless you'd like to later check back in order to see how you've grown, if only in your thought process. Julia calls them "brain drain"....clearing your mind of clutter and "stuff", recognize thought patterns that are self critical, but most importantly "teach the logic brain to stand aside and let artist brain play". I have thrown away all of my previous journals. No problem. No rules And, to answer your question.....YES, it is in the doing!
I think it's important to read the book, not just "do" the workbook. There is soooo much to be gleaned from her narrative and background. Avoid getting stuck in what you see as Zen stuff; the book does not follow any religion, rather encompasses spirituality in that it recognizes the Source of all of us, no matter what you call it. In Julia's own words...
"There is an underlying, in-dwelling creative force infusing all of life - including ourselves."
"You are seeking to forge a creative alliance, artist-to-artist with the Great Creator."
Or, if you choose to see it more simply........
"We undertake certain spiritual exercises to achieve alignment with the creative energy of the universe." You may choose to capitalize "creative" or "universe", if you wish.
Even my Lutheran pastor SIL wholeheartedly supports TAW. I also know people with NO desire for religion per se, who have enjoyed the book and greatly benefitted from it.
I believe it is beneficial for everyone, be it different for each one
Jan in Spokane

I wasn't sure that I would want to do this....I don't think of myself as a "creative" person. I enjoy making more traditional quilts, and have in fact NEVER made an art quilt.
However, I think I need to venture out of my box, at least a little. I got The Artist's Way workbook....just to see what you all are up to and now I wonder if I need to get the other book too, or can I just work through the exercises as they are explained here? Just reading the workbook sounds really out of my comfort zone...all the Zen stuff...but I did get up and did Morning Pages today. Are we supposed to keep these pages, or is it just the doing them that's important?? I am not a collector, or keeper of things, and would just as soon pitch them in the trash if that's allowed. Opinions anyone???